The FINANCIAL — As part of Perth Airport’s $1 billion redevelopment program, the new Terminal 1 (T1) forecourt and retail hub will transform the travel experience for passengers and visitors.
The $54 million makeover of the T1 forecourt includes a spacious 27 metre landscaped plaza with two new food and beverage outlets that can be accessed from both inside and outside the terminal, as well as a range of specialty stores. Together, these new stores will add 562m2 of retail space within a high exposure area servicing both international and domestic passengers, according to Perth Airport.
“The design of the new forecourt will enable passengers and visitors to experience the Perth outdoors in a relaxed and pleasant environment,” said Brad Geatches, Chief Executive Officer, Perth Airport.
“Our weather is a key asset, and giving people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor café culture that is integral to the WA lifestyle was important in the development of the design of this area,” he said.
Emirates Leisure Retail Pty Ltd will open the two new food and beverage outlets, including a licenced café/bar with alfresco dining area. This outlet will focus on local provenance and seasonal produce, and provide the perfect place for passengers to relax before their flight or once they have arrived in Perth. The design of the outlet reflects the outdoor lifestyle and vibrancy of Perth and WA.
“We are thrilled to be able to present the very best of Perth and WA in our forecourt Bar & Grill, and are delighted that renowned local chef Jason Walker will join our Company Executive Chef, Peter Reffell to bring the food and beverage offer to life,” said Adam Summerville, Managing Director, Emirates Leisure Retail.
“In addition, we are equally as excited to be given the opportunity to deliver a unique Grab & Go coffee and fresh produce store that will be fun and fresh and offer everything from premium coffee to fresh juice and gelato,” he said.
An important consideration in selecting food and beverage operators was providing customers with choice, value for money and quality products.
Three speciality stores will also provide customers with everything they may need before travelling. In selecting the specialty stores, Perth Airport wanted to ensure a diverse range of travel options to cater for passengers on the first stage of their journey.
“We’ve deliberately chosen retailers that offer luggage and luggage services, health and travel essentials, and convenience and foreign exchange to complement the existing retail outlets on level one,” said Mr Geatches.
A dedicated luggage store showcasing leading luggage brands and “must have” travel accessories will be provided by Samsonite Pty Ltd, including Samsonite, Antler, Victorinox, Lipault, Crumpler and Hartmann.
“We’re pleased to be working with Perth Airport to bring the latest evolution of our Rolling Luggage concept to WA in a modern, dynamic retail environment reflective of the fantastic forecourt transformation the airport is currently undertaking,” said Matt Gardiner, General Manager Travel Retail, Samsonite Australia.”
Smarte Carte will continue to operate the baggage service counter for storage, and a new Travelex outlet will be available for international passengers.
LS Travel has been awarded a combined travel, health and convenience outlet that will trade as Travelwell and Trader, offering health, travel essentials and convenience products.
“We are very pleased to be bringing to T1 the combination of Travelwell and Trader brands, allowing us to improve the overall shopping experience and customer convenience as well as equipping travellers with everything they need for their journey and beyond,” said Mr Paul Ryan, Development Director, LS Travel Retail Pacific.
Other features on the forecourt include free Wi-Fi coverage, a car park, bus station, improved pedestrian access and pick-up/drop-off areas, covered walkways, seating and landscaping that incorporates native Western Australian flora.
“2015 is an exciting year of transformation at Perth Airport with many projects reaching completion. The T1 forecourt expansion is well underway and will provide an enjoyable travel experience for our customers,” said Mr Geatches.
“With the new T1 Domestic Pier opening later in the year and Virgin Australia moving their domestic services to T1, this first phase of the consolidation of commercial air services is becoming a reality,” he said.
